Genesis 49:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After briefly mentioning his other sons, Jacob turns his attention to Joseph, declaring him the son of the beloved and the fervent one: Joseph, the son of the beloved, who is like a branch of a fruitful tree. From the very start, you have been a target of jealousy: "they afflicted him, and the archers shot and were hostile toward him," referring to the conspiracy orchestrated by his brothers against him. It was previously noted that they brought shameful accusations against Joseph to their father. Similarly, it is stated here, “they afflicted him, and the archers shot and strife was directed against him," revealing their intent to kill him.

He ascended into heaven to hear the Father proclaim: ‘Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool’ (Psalms 109:1). Though they engaged in the gravest wickedness against Him, He revealed their shame, as He taught: ‘afflicted him, and shot and enmity against him by the archers’. When they convened their councils, they conspired with cruelty against Him, ‘the fusiliers’—the rulers of nations—who incited those capable of inflicting harm upon Him. It was as if they themselves were thrusting like the tip of a spear, daring to commit acts they ought not to attempt, attacking Him like ferocious beasts.

The leaders of the clans, referring to the forefathers of the tribes, stood in opposition to him. Alternatively, some interpret this as factions among men. Nevertheless, the essence remains unchanged, as his brothers, who were divided among themselves, turned against him and betrayed him to the Egyptians. The forebears of the tribes rebelled against Joseph, just as the rulers of the people opposed our Lord.

I have chosen to present this passage in its original Hebrew form rather than the translation by the Seventy Interpreters, as their version largely deviates from the Hebrew text. The essence of this passage is expressed as follows: ‘Joseph, your name signifies that God has increased your blessings for me, or that you will achieve greatness among your brethren, for the tribe of Ephraim is the mightiest, as noted in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. My son Joseph, your beauty surpasses all, captivating the multitude of Egyptian maidens who gaze upon you from the walls, towers, and windows. Your brothers harbor envy toward you, which incites their anger. They are armed with arrows of deep envy, suffering wounds inflicted by jealousy.

By resurrecting His only begotten Son, God nullified the schemes of those who speak malevolently. Consequently, Isaiah states, ‘The counsel of your spirit is futile’ (Isaiah 19:3). He brought to a halt their taunts, which they launched like arrows; He subdued their power, as they depended on their own strength rather than on the Lord (Genesis 49:24). Thus, it is declared, Israel was invigorated by the God of your father. And my God has aided you (Gen. 49:24-25). Who but the one true God the Father strengthened Israel and assisted the Son when He proclaimed, ‘Jacob is my son, I will accept him. Israel my chosen, my soul shall embrace him’ (Isaiah 42:1). He imparted blessings upon him from the heights of heaven and from the fullness of the earth (Gen. 49:25). For He placed all things under His authority, granting the heavenly as the blessing of heaven and the earthly as the blessing of the earth, that He may govern both humanity and angels (1 Cor. 15:25-28).

Who were the individuals who conspired against Him and spoke ill of Him—were they not a disobedient and rebellious group that hurled numerous accusations? The term 'masters of archers' indicates that there were ample opportunities for wickedness and the execution of all the righteous.

They cause him sorrow, strike at him, and more. In making this observation, Jacob reflects on the assaults his brothers inflicted upon Joseph in the past, while also anticipating the warlike nature of his descendants, particularly the tribe of Ephraim.